Cornus × rutgersensis ‘Celestial’ (PP#7204)
Celestial™ Flowering Dogwood is a beautiful, easy-to-grow hybrid dogwood prized for its graceful form, reliable spring blooms, and exceptional disease resistance. Part of the renowned Stellar® Series developed by Rutgers University, this small ornamental tree produces abundant creamy-white flowers in spring, followed by attractive green foliage that provides a refined presence in the landscape.
Growing to about 15–20 feet tall, ‘Celestial’ is ideal for front yards, garden borders, woodland edges, or as a focal point in mixed plantings. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. While young trees appreciate consistent watering, they become moderately drought tolerant once established.
One of the biggest advantages of Celestial™ is its excellent resistance to dogwood borer and anthracnose, making it far more dependable than many traditional dogwoods. With minimal pruning required and dependable performance year after year, this hybrid dogwood offers classic beauty with modern durability.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 15–20 ft. tall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- Spring Interest: Large creamy-white blooms
- Maintenance: Low; prune only to remove damaged wood
- Benefits: Strong resistance to borers and common dogwood diseases
A perfect choice for homeowners seeking the classic charm of a flowering dogwood with improved vigor and reliability.